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Newsletters... what members like bestUser Group Help Files
What members like
best about the group newsletter

For most members, the newsletter is
the ONLY club contact. (Fred Showker)

Your newsletter needs to be there -- and it doesn't have to be a design or publishing marval to be good. In fact, we found that some of the slicker newsletter solutions in the community didn't enjoy the same rave reviews from members that the more simple, earnest ones did.
__ We found that members cherish things they read about themselves or members they know. Most liked are simple articles that reflect membership concerns, needs, and timely announcements. A good newsletter needs to provide TIMELY information and reflect the membership needs, but most of all introducing new members to other members.
__ Here are some brief comments we've gathered from members of user groups all over the country...
.

"What do you like best about your
user group Newsletter?"

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(the following is based on member feed-back spread across over 100 groups from all parts of the country. In order of popularity.)
  1. Local articles - directly related to work
  2. How-to articles
  3. Original material. Not some copy from another source.
  4. Qulaity product reviews -- both commercial software and shareware.
  5. Articles by our OWN members, or of other groups
  6. Reading the works of other members!
  7. Original 'club' in-jokes
  8. Member reviews not caned ones
  9. Information about our own user group.
  10. Seeing the general membership involved.
  11. The network, company resources, etc.
  12. Lots of lists - like net links, and freebie sites
  13. Articles from elsewhere, particularly other groups
  14. Srtightforwward information that is valid
  15. Variety! Awareness that not all users are the same.
  16. Articles for new and power users.
  17. New users helps, along with power tips and even set up info.
  18. Specific monthly columns: Prez Column, New Software, News
  19. A "Members Forum" for communications between each other
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What contributes most to the appeal your newsletter?
  1. Getting the newsletter ON TIME and REGULARLY.
  2. Friendlyness and ease of reading
  3. Good graphics with the articles
  4. Graphics add to the appeal when they apply to the article
  5. Good pictures, particularly pictures of local appeal
  6. Cartoons
  7. Personalities that show in the writings
  8. Names of people in the club
  9. Discounts/offers
  10. Club happenings that are the latest
  11. Updates of monthly activities

All of those surveyed said the group newsletter MUST be fun to read.

There are some good ideas here to help grow your group! Take these comments from members and apply them to your newsletter. You'll see the difference

You are invited to join in and contribute your UG management help ideas. Remember: The help you get is equal to the help you give.

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